Returning Favorites “Oprah’s LIfeclass,” “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” and “Raising Whitley” Premiere New Episodes

Los Angeles – OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today that its popular scripted series from Tyler Perry “The Haves and the Have Nots” and “Love Thy Neighbor” will return to the network’s primetime lineup this January along with two new series, “The Diamond Collar” and “Mom’s Got Game” and the return of comedienne Wanda Sykes with two new “Herlarious” comedy specials.

In addition, the network will premiere all new episodes of returning series favorites in January including “Oprah: Where Are They Now?,” “Oprah’s Lifeclass” and “Raising Whitley.”

“The Haves and the Have Nots” heats up this winter after its cliffhanger fall finale garnered a series high 2.6 million viewers, making it one of the most watched episodes in network history. On Tuesday, January 7 (9-10 p.m.) the Cryer family is back with even more scandals, lies and deceit as judge Jim Cryer (John Schneider) mounts a campaign for governor despite escalating family problems and the vengeful actions of his former mistress Candace Young (Tika Sumpter).

Perry’s comedy “Love Thy Neighbor,” which garnered a series average 1 million viewers, returns to the primetime lineup on Wednesday, January 8 with two half-hour episodes back-to-back at 9 and 9:30 p.m. and features even more hilarious hijinks from Mama Hattie (Patrice Lovely) and the gang at The Love Train Diner.

Friday, January 17 (10-10:30 p.m.) is the premiere of new series “The Diamond Collar” featuring former mob enforcer James “Head” Guiliani in his new life as the owner of one of Brooklyn’s top dog grooming parlors. Between the dogs, the staff, his fiery girlfriend, and his relentless passion for rescuing animals in need, life is a whole new “mob scene” for Guiliani. Saturday, January 18 at 10 p.m. is the premiere of the new series “Mom’s Got Game” featuring former WNBA star Pam McGee and her son, Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee. For the McGees, basketball is a family business. Pam McGee is the first WNBA mother to have a son, JaVale, in the NBA. Now Pam has to juggle JaVale’s career, while jumpstarting her dating life with the help of her girlfriends and trusty “manny,” Jay.

The compelling update series “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” returns with all new episodes beginning January 3 at 9 p.m. featuring celebrities such as William Shatner, “Karate Kid” Ralph Macchio and singer Kenny Loggins to name a few. And two new special episodes of the Emmy Award-winning "Oprah's Lifeclass" premiere on January 3 at 10 p.m. with best-selling author Greg Berhendt (“He’s Just Not That Into You”) and January 10 at 10 p.m. with spiritual life coach Iyanla Vanzant.

In addition, the hilarious docu-series “Raising Whitley” with actress/comedienne Kym Whitley returns for all-new episodes on Saturday, January 4 at a new time (9 p.m.), and is expanding to a full hour.

JANUARY 2014 SCHEDULE

All Times Eastern

FRIDAYS

9:00 – 10:00 p.m. Oprah: Where Are They Now? (returns January 3 – new night and time)

“The Diamond Collar” follows the day-to-day life of James “Head” Guiliani, a former street enforcer for the mafia, who spent years running with John Gotti's crew. But after a life-changing encounter with a stray dog, James found a new purpose, and now runs a top dog grooming parlor in Brooklyn - The Diamond Collar – pampering pooches with the love of his life, Lena Perrelli, and rescuing abused and abandoned animals throughout the borough. But life as Brooklyn’s top dog groomer and rescuer is more complicated than it ever was in the mob. With a constant battle to pay the bills, stick to the right side of the law and a revolving door of colorful and demanding customers, James and Lena have their hands full. From old “associates” to unpredictable rescue missions and unruly employees, James and Lena try to maintain some semblance of normalcy in their bizarre, heartfelt and hilarious life. Executive Producers are Louis Ferrante, John Farrar, Jago Lee, Erin Sax, Laura Keats and Robert Misseri. Produced by NERD TV.

“Mom’s Got Game”

“Mom’s Got Game” explores the dynamic relationship between former WNBA basketball star Pamela McGee and her 25-year-old son, Denver Nuggets center, JaVale McGee. Famous for being domineering on and off the court, Pam is not only JaVale’s mom, she’s also his business manager, working to build an empire while trying to keep a tight rein on the glitz and girls that come with the life of an NBA star. Meanwhile, Pam is managing her own life, which consists of her equally fabulous single girlfriends who also have sons coming up in The League. Like Pam, they are single mothers raising their sons while dating and chasing their own ambitions, and when she needs someone to laugh with or a shoulder to cry on, she turns to her girls. With her hectic schedule, Pam relies on her “manny”, Jay, to get things done. She trusts him to oversee her home and her life, but while her friends think there could be a love connection, Pam and Jay deny it – even if they fight like a married couple. Like any good mother, Pam is a force to be reckoned with. After all, she is basketball royalty herself. They may be crazy, loud and a little wild, but family’s what it’s all about for the McGees and their friends. They make each other laugh and they make each other cry, but they have Mad Love for each other. “Mom’s Got Game” is produced by Richard Devinki Productions and Pierre Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures Television, with Pete Tartaglia and Amy Palmer Robertson serving as Executive Producers.

Returning show descriptions:

“Oprah’s Next Chapter”

“Oprah’s Next Chapter” is the award-winning primetime series featuring Oprah Winfrey as she steps outside of the studio for riveting, enlightening and in-depth conversations with newsmakers, celebrities, thought leaders and real-life families. “Oprah’s Next Chapter” is produced by Harpo Studios. Executive produced by Tara Montgomery and Andrea Wishom. Join the conversation on Twitter using #NextChapter.

“Oprah’s Lifeclass”

The Emmy Award-winning “Oprah’s Lifeclass” is a richly interactive worldwide social experience for millions of students who participate in inspiring conversations with Oprah Winfrey on-air, online and via social media. For each episode, Oprah is joined by a hand-picked expert, and together they interact with viewers to share principles and tools that can help people live more meaningful and fulfilling lives. New episodes in January feature author Greg Berhendt (“He’s Just Not That Into You”) on January 3 and spiritual life coach Iyanla Vanzant (OWN’s hit series “Iyanla: Fix My Life”) on January 10. The series is produced by Harpo Studios. Executive produced by Jill Van Lokeren, Jonathan Sinclair, Dana Brooks Reinglass and Terry Goulder. Join the conversation on Twitter using #Lifeclass.

“Oprah: Where Are They Now?”

“Oprah: Where Are They Now?” tracks down “Oprah” show guests who made you laugh...and made you cry. Coming in January are updates featuring William Shatner, “Karate Kid” Ralph Macchio, singer Kenny Loggins, Marie Osmond, “The Facts of Life” stars Lisa Welchel and Mindy Cohn, Kristin Chenoweth, Tia and Tamera Mowry, Susan Lucci, Lou Ferrigno and The Village People, plus many more. Find out where they are now, plus see what happened to the biggest newsmakers of all time and how their lives changed after sudden fame and notoriety turned their worlds upside down. The show is executive produced by Jon Sinclair, Jill Van Lokeren and Julie Simpson.

“The Haves and the Have Nots”

“The Haves and the Have Nots” follows Savannah’s wealthy Cryer family, headed by judge Jim Cryer (John Schneider) and his scorned wife Katheryn (Renee Lawless), whose lives have become intimately and inextricably linked with the families of their hired help. As the new season unfolds, Jim Cryer mounts a campaign for governor despite escalating family problems and the vengeful actions of his former-mistress Candace Young (Tika Sumpter). Jim’s wife despises him; his son Wyatt’s (Aaron O'Connell) heroin addiction leads to a terrible crime; and his daughter Amanda (Jaclyn Betham) sinks into a world of mental delusion. Meanwhile, Cryer housekeeper Hanna Young (Crystal Fox) searches for justice regarding a terrible accident involving her son Benny (Tyler Lepley); and rehab counselor Jeffrey Harrington (Gavin Houston) stands up for himself after coming out as gay to his parents David (Peter Parros) and Veronica Harrington (Angela Robinson). All of the scandals and lies come to a head in an explosive season when the worlds of “The Haves” and “The Have Nots” collide. The series is created, written, directed and executive produced by Tyler Perry.

“Love Thy Neighbor"

“Love Thy Neighbor"? is a half-hour comedy set at The Love Train Diner, a family run restaurant where every day the menu serves up good food, great laughs, valuable life lessons and a whole lot of love.Diner owner and feisty family matriarch Hattie Mae Love (Patrice Lovely) has her hands full not only managing her customers but her family drama, too. Her daughter Linda (Kendra C. Johnson), recently moved into her mama Hattie's home after finally giving her philandering husband the boot. Linda’s son Danny (Andre Hall), a recent college grad, moves into a bachelor pad with his best friend Sam (Jonathan Chase) and lands a job at a hot internet design firm. He quickly establishes himself as a rising star…that’s when he’s not distracted by Sam’s hard-partying ways and their beautiful co-workers Marianna (Zulay Henao) and Drew (Darmirra Brunson). Meanwhile, Uncle Floyd (Palmer Williams) is an ever-present thorn in the Love family’s side. Like old luggage, they can never seem to get rid of him. As the new season unfolds Linda finally jumps back into the dating scene. Her decision will scare her son Danny almost to death, but will yield great results as she meets two handsome suitors. It is feast or famine when it comes to dating for Linda, but when she meets Will (Thai Douglas) and Phillip (Tony Grant), the famine is officially over. It turns out that Hattie Mae’s tough love pays off as Linda comes roaring back to her vibrant self. “Love Thy Neighbor"? is produced for OWN by Tyler Perry Studios. It is created, written, directed and executive produced by Tyler Perry.

"Raising Whitley"

“Raising Whitley” is a humorous and poignant docu-series following actress and comedienne Kym Whitley and her riotous collective of friends – whom she calls "The Village” – as they attempt to do something none of them has ever done before: raise a child…together. As the new season unfolds, Kym must adjust to life with a new tenant taking up all the “Manspace” in her house, Rodney. Joshua, now two and a half, is no longer a baby, and Kym faces new challenges and milestones like potty training and Joshua’s first swimming lessons as she balances her busy acting career. The Village members are still around to help, as Kym’s “Hollywood Husband”, Wendell, contemplates leaving Palm Springs to be closer to Kym and Joshua, while Harold deals with Kym’s snowballing “stuffing” issues. Meanwhile, Joshua’s surrogate dad, Rodney, must decide if and when he’s going to move out, receiving a little extra motivation when Kym’s love life heats up. "Raising Whitley" is produced by Pilgrim Studios and executive produced by Craig Piligian, Melodie Calvert and Kym Whitley.

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand - and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications. The network debuted on January 1, 2011 and is available in 85 million homes